Community Investigations and Research

tap water, filling glass, blood test, landfill

The State Health Department has been conducting activities in New York State communities in response to local environmental concerns, including drinking water supply issues. Activities include:

  • Consultation and advice to address community environmental and water supply issues.
  • Drinking water testing for affected public and private water supplies.
  • Environmental health investigations to address environmental exposure concerns related to air quality, drinking water, and other health concerns.

Community and Statewide Projects

Biomonitoring NY

Biomonitoring NY seeks to learn more about levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, and heavy metals in New Yorkers.

Multi-site PFAS Health Study

The State Health Department participated in a national study to examine PFAS exposures from drinking water and their health effects.

Community Biomonitoring Projects

The State Health Department conducted biomonitoring in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh, Newburgh, and the Westhampton Beach and Quogue area.

Community and Environmental Health Reports Map

Use the interactive map to find information about environmental investigations in your neighborhood.

New York State Department of Health conducts environmental health investigations throughout New York State to address environmental exposure concerns related to air quality, drinking water, and other health concerns. The State Health Department and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry complete a Public Health Assessment for every site in New York that is proposed to the National Priority List, also known as the federal Superfund list. In a Public Health Assessment, the health agencies review information about hazardous substances at a site and evaluate whether exposure to those substances might cause harm to human health.

For specific questions about potential health effects

Email: btsa@health.ny.gov, phone: 518-402-7800 (Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm), or write: State Health Department, Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment, Corning Tower, Room 1743, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237

For specific questions about the public water supply

Email: bpwsp@health.ny.gov, phone: 518-402-7650 (Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm), or write: State Health Department Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Corning Tower, Room 1110, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237

For specific questions about private wells and community & research investigations

Email: beei@health.ny.gov, phone: 518-402-7860 (Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm), or write: State Health Department Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation, Corning Tower, Room 1717, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237

For specific questions about blood testing

Email: beoe@health.ny.gov, phone: 518-402-7950 (Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm), or write: State Health Department Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Corning Tower, Room 1203, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237